BE HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL: THOUGHTS ABOUT HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A Blog about all things related to health and beauty. This includes vitamins, minerals, other supplements and the use of creams, lotions and cosmetics. A healthy lifestyle will be discussed as a holistic approach to the subject of maintaining a healthy body.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

It is Thanksgiving day, once again. Today, family and friends gather to celebrate life and give thanks to God for all his blessings. It is also a day for roasting chestnuts....but, not horse chestnuts. Horse chestnut seed extract(HCSE) has been proven to help chronic venous insufficiency. This condition can cause: leg swelling varicose veins leg pain itchy legs and ... skin ulcers. However, the flower, branch bark and leaf are toxic. Horse chestnut extract can be purchased in health food stores. So, during this Holiday season. if you are experiencing leg problems; horse chestnut may be the answer. Siting by the open fire, roasting chestnuts, may not be good for your circulation. Get up, move around, and think about purchasing some of this wonderful seed extract. Then, sit down and enjoy some roasted chestnuts. By the way, if you are not familiar with roasting these tasty nuts, all you have to do is to clean them off...slit the shell in an X pattern....preheat the oven to 425 degrees .....and roast for 20 to 30 minutes. Don't forget to slit the shell, or the nuts will explode and shoot around the open like bullets. Have a Great Holiday Season !!

Avocados have a bad reputation. They are listed among the Seven Bad Foods that people try to avoid. This list includes coffee, grape juice and 4 others. But, in actuality, avocados are good for you. Avocados have a bad rep because they contain cholesterol. The fact of the matter is that dietary cholesterol does not increase cholesterol levels in the blood. Saturated fats increase cholesterol levels. Avocados contain mono- and polysaturated fats that are heart healthy. This fruit also helps the body as a "nutrient booster" enabling the body to absorb fat soluble nutrients like alpha- and beta carotene and lutein. These are antioxidants, and lutein is also found in avocados. Avocados contain 20 nutrients including: fiber potassium Vitamin E B vitamins and..... folic acid.

So, don't be afraid of the "Bad " fruit. Enjoy the goodness of the "Good Avocado".

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Fathers Day 2020 has passed. Fathers Day is a day to remember and honor our fathers. It may also be a day for others to celebrate your fatherhood. I hope that everyone had a great day. I did. After the festivities, I started to think about the origins of Fathers Day. So, I did a little research. The idea of Fathers Day came from Sonora Smart Dodd. In 1910, in a church in Spokane, Wa., the idea came to her. Her father, William Dodd, raised herself and 5 sons after his wifes' death. She proposed June 5, her fathers' birthday. The date was moved to June 19 by church ministers who needed more time to prepare. The idea was supported by William Jennings Bryan, and received national support. Congress was slow to accept the idea since it was viewed as self congratulatory by the male Congress members. In 1916, Woodrow Wilson and his family celebrated the day. But, it wasn't until 1972 that President Richard Nixon made Fathers Day a national holiday. Historically, the Romans celebrated Fathers Day in February, but only honored deceased fathers. If you enjoy Fathers Day, like I do, then it is important to take care of your health. You can't celebrate if you are ill or suddenly pass away. Mens' health is an important issue.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Yes, spring is in the air. And, so are a wide variety of pollens. Tree pollen, grass pollen....oh, they can make our lives miserable. Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes...we all know the routine. But, there are other allergens that can affect our health year round. Do you have pets ?

Specifically, do you have

CATS ?

Cats are one of the most allergenic pets. Some evidence suggests that dogs may be worse than cats, but cats are probably responsible for more allergic reactions. The allergens from cats can cause hayfever like symptoms. They can also cause asthma and cat scratch fever. Cat fur is always blamed for the allergies.

But, the fur is not the problem. Cats clean themselves, and the saliva deposited on the fur drys and becomes dandruff.

Here lies the source of the allergic reaction:

DANDRUFF

The allergy occurs as a reaction to an allergen, and histamines are produced

Symptoms include:

itchy eyes sneezing and even rashes.

The allergen is a protein in the saliva.

FEL d 1 Petting the cat releases the dandruff from the fur. That is why cats need brushing, and long hair cats need even more. Bathing can reduce the allergen, but we all know how cats love water!!

Scratches from cats can cause cat scratch fever. Although the name refers to fever, a fever rarely occurs. The reaction is to a bacteria,

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Did you know that cabbage is really good for you ? Cabbage contains phytonutrients that can protect the body against free radicals that can damage cell membranes. These phytonutrients are antioxidants. Cabbage is a :

muscle builder

cleanser

eye strengthener

Cabbage contains iron and sulfer. It also contains:

140mg potassium

46 mg calcium

per 100g serving.

Cabbage may lower the incidence of cancer in:

stomach

lungs

colon

Cabbage contains sulforaphone, a chemical that stimulates the production of glutathione which is an antioxidant. This antioxidant is neccesary for liver detoxification. And, did you know that red cabbage is better than green cabbage ? Red cabbage contains 6 to 8 times the vitamin C of green cabbage. It also contains anthocyanin, and antioxidant the protects brain cells and may help in preventing Alzheimer's disease.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

As you might know, February is heart month. It is important to realize that our diets do not always provide us with essential vitamins. Vitamins are necessary for proper cell function, organ function and overall wellness. Heart vitamins keep our heart healthy and help to prevent cardiovascular disease. Heart vitamins include the following:

folic acid(B9) B6 and B12 In general, the B vitamin family is good for your heart. B vitamins can be found in meat. Vegetarians should take supplements because of their meatless diets.

Homocysteine , in high levels, can cause artery damage. B vitamins help to reduce homocysteine in the blood. B3 may also help to reduce cholesterol levels. More testing is necessary to establish this fact. In addition, vitamins C and E help to keep your heart healthy. These vitamins are antioxidants. There function is to help the body remove free radicals from our systems. Free radicals can cause heart disease, cancer and premature aging. It is important to eat healthy and to take supplements of these vitamins. Our bodies cannot produce vitamin C , unlike our domestic pets, the cats. Also, minerals are needed for heart health.

Be Healthy and Beautiful

Hey, one thing I wanted to pass along in the context of health, is the power of Zinc. That'right!!! Zinc helps with many skin disorders like psoriasis, when taken as directed. And when you realize that vitamin C is a great healer, the combined effect of this powerful mineral and potent vitamin can be phenomenal. Always check with your physician first, before trying home remedies- but I personally can vouche for it!!I am currently working at home, so I get to experiment with different ideas. Have you ever considered working at home?

By the way, pomegranate juice is more potent than green tea. Join the discussion about Health and Beauty at :greentea

About Me

I am almost 54 years old, once a professional musician in an original music band,and currently involved with real estate. I am in the process of launching my own website featuring health and beauty aids.

RESVERATROL : Antioxidant Power

You may have heard of resveratrol. It was featured on Oprah with Dr. Oz. There has been some controversy about its' effectiveness. This debate centers around the product quality. As in any product, manufacturers can use low quality ingredients. The desired results diminish with inferior products. Always choose a high quality product. In my research, RESVERATROL ULTRA seems to be the best available. It also contains acai berry which doubles its effectiveness. Resveratrol seems to improve results on cognitive test scores. It also increases overall energy, reduces appetite, and helps in a weight loss program. Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant. There is evidence to suggest that resveratrol helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. As you know, the French love their wine, and heart disease is not a major contributor to death in France. The Romans used to say "In Vino Sanitas" or "In wine there is health". Resveratrol is found in wine. The grapevine produces resveratrol which is stored in the skin of grapes. It helps to fight fungal disease and sun damage to the plant. Studies have shown that resveratrol inhibits blood platelet aggregation-the production of blood clots. It also has been proven that resveratrol helps to fight cancer. Resveratrol can be found in :

TOOTH AND GUM CARE 3/19/2009

In order to properly care for your teeth, there are four essential steps:brushingflossingeating healthydentist visitsBrush your teeth at least two times a day, if not between every meal. Brushing removes plaque. Plaque is a bacteria film that builds up on teeth surfaces. The combination of food and plaque results in acid production which leads to cavities.Flossing at least one time a day removes food from between teeth, where the brush cannot be effective. Meat eaters should be especially careful about particles that cling between teeth. These particles will decay and produce acid with bacterial action. Also, bacterial plaque can harden between teeth and produce tartar. Tartar must be removed by a dentist.So, what foods are good for your teeth ? Foods that must be chewed are the best. These foods strengthen and massage gums. They also help to clean the surfaces of teeth.Here are some good healthy food tips:

Eat applescarrotsradishescucumbersThese foods increase salivation which neutralizes acids in the mouth. Avoid sugars and sweets. Coffee and tea can also lead to tooth decay. Drink plenty of water and avoid those in- between meal snacks .

PERSONAL TIPPersonally, I like to use a little baking soda along with my toothpaste. Hydrogen peroxide is also useful for whitening teeth, but don't overdo it. Always rinse well, and use mouth wash to control bacteria growth. And... keep those fingers out of your mouth. Nail biting is not only unattractive, but it can introduce more bacteria into your mouth.What are your personal routines ? How do you keep your teeth and gums healthy ? Share with us.

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WHAT IS SELENIUM ? 2/17/09

Selenium is a non-metallic element that is important for the human body to function properly. It has the atomic number of 34. It was first discovered by Jons Berzelius in 1817. Selenium helps the body to efficiently use oxygen.Selenium also works with vitamin E to help remove toxins from the body. Research shows that selenium helps our memory and even promotes normal chromosomal development, which helps to stop various forms of cancer.The thyroid gland needs selenium to function properly.Selenium also helps to control blood pressure and heart disease. Many foods are rich in selenium like Brazil nuts. Eggs are also a good source.Deficiencies of selenium can result in thyroid problems. Fatigue and lack of energy occurs. Keshan disease results from a lack of selenium in ones' diet.Fortunately. selenium can also be bought as an over the counter supplement. About 55 mg. are needed daily.

Did you find this article informative ?Do you take selenium supplements ?Share your nutritional regimen with us .

In The Ongoing BLOG tradition......

Arthritis, I guess all of us have some form of arthritis, one way or another. It involves damage to the joints of thebody. A fall, a sports injury, stepping off a curb awkwardly; all of these things can cause joint damage. Sometimes a pre-existing genetic tendency to joint damage excellerates the problem. Whatever the cause, the pain is real.The most common type is osteosrthritis. Age plays a factor in developing this type, but trauma to a joint can lead to the same result. Other forms of arthritis are autoimmune dis-eases where the body attacks itself, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. It can also be caused by a buildup of uric acid crystal deposits in the joint. This type is known as gouty arthritis. Joint pain can be severe and there are a number of remedies available. Exercise seems to be the best remedy, while a sedentary lifestyle only aggravates the situation.In genereal, following a few simply dietary guidelines can also help. First, eat a variety of foods. Maintain a good weight, avoid fat and cholesterol, limit sugar, avoid sodium. and drink alcohol in moderation. There seems to be little evidence that foods can cause arthritis to worsen.Supplements like glucosamine have been shown to be effective. Just be careful that the supplement doesn't contain sugar or high levels of sodium. Synergistic ingredients that work well with glucosamine are chondroitin, omega 3 fatty acids, aloe vera and even yucca.Liquid glucosamine is better than creams or pills. Sometimes, pills are not absorbed well and evidence suggests that creams do not enter the bloodstream like an ingested liquid.

I have been having my own battle with arthritis. That burning sensation under the skin, stiff joints and even psoriatic breakouts on the skin, can really but a damper on my day.

I try to avoid cold weather. Living in the North East of the USA , there are four seasons to contend with. Spring and summer are the best for my joints, and winter is the worst.I try to keep moving. Sitting to long causes my joints to stiffen. I massage my joints by hand, and often use a hand vibrator.I take glucosamine, in a pill, and I believe that it helps my joints. I have had a number of injuries and that probably is the main contributor to the problem.So, if you can , avoid injuries. If you still get arthritis, you can try my remedies. Do you have any home remedies for arthritis ? Share them with us.

HAIR CARE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. 2/01/09

Before we discuss caring for your hair, it is important to consider your hair type. All hair is made of protein , but not all hair is the same. Some hair is oily, other hair is dry. Still, other hair is "normal". Taken this into account, will lead us to the proper hair treatment.Since hair is composed of protein, a diet rich in amino acids can help to promote hair growth. Amino acids are the building blocks of complex protein molecules. There are commercial formulas available that can give you the proper amino acids needed. Amino acids like L-Leucine, L-Serine, and L-Alanine are available in these formulations All in all, I believe that there are about 18 essential amino acids needed for proper hair growth. Fatty acids are also neccesary to produce natural oily lubrication for the hair follicles.Personally, I used a formulation that contains amino acids for hair growth and have had some results. Everyone is different and results will vary. Topical applications can also be used to stimulate growth, especially if there is hair loss involved.http://www.hairformula37.com/

Herbs can help your hair. Turmeric, horsetail and rosemary are three noteworthy herbs . Other ingredients in vitamins such as inosital and biotin can help to promote hair growth.Hair is affected by the environment. Wind, sun, and cold take there toll on your hair. Seasonal changes are also responsible for hair damage. So, your hair needs to be conditioned as well as washed daily. Deep conditioning may be done once a month, or once a week depending on the hair damage. But, daily conditioning is recommended by many sources.So, if your hair is very fine wash it with a shampoo that contains wheat protein. If your hair is normal, wash it with a shampoo that contains lecithin. Thick hair benefits from traditional pomades.Conditioning improves the hair texture. This is accomplished by leaving protein on the hair follicle. Deep conditioning occurs when the conditioner is left on the hair for a longer period of time , so that the protein can be absorbed.Keep in mind that some hair products contain alcohol. Alcohol dries the hair. Try to avoid alcohol in hair products.

HOME REMEDIES

Do you have any home remedies for healthy hair ? Share them with us. I have some.As a kid, I remember my grandmother washing her hair with egg !! Yes, egg. I guess it makes some sense: protein and cholesterol. Sometimes, she would use mayonnaise. Again, protein from egg and cholesterol. The only drawback was the oil residue left on the scalp. Fortunately, her scalp was always dry and the oil helped to lubricate the skin.On the other hand, my hair was always oily during puberty. I would wash and wash , and still oil. My mother told me to try flour !! Yes, flour on my scalp to absorb the oil. Guess what ? It worked.Only two more tips ; avoid stress and exercise. Stress causes circulation problems in the body, If the blood circulation to the scalp is affected, then the hair follicles cannot function properly. That is why exercise can help. Exercise increasesblood flow to all parts of the body. Yoga can help also.PS: Do you have hair spray buildup ? Try some vinegar wash. After washing your hair, pour some vinegar on your head and remove the hair spray residue. Remember to rinse the vinegar off and then condition. Do whatever you can to improve and KEEP your hair. Once you lose it, it is hard to regrow hair from damaged follicles. Massage your scalp often to stimulate blood flow.Resources:

ACNE-Acne Causes and Treatment 1/19/09

I remember as a youth, the constant battle with acne. No matter what I tried, the pimples and blackheads kept appearing. Back in those days,the treatment involved dry ice sloughing of the skin and the antibiotic, tetracycline. My diet was reduced to unspicy food, avoidance of chocolate and coffee and applications of various lotions.Today, some of the medical knowledge remains the same, but there have been some great strides taken in the battle against acne. So what causes acne ? A lot of the problem lies beneath your skin and you will be glad to know it is not your fault. I used to think it was my fault. This guilt about the problem can lead to emotional problems that affect our hormonal balances. By the way, hormones do play a factor.It all starts deep down in your pores where dead skin cells clog together with sebum,which lubricates the skin, to form a plug called a comedo. Bacteria get trapped below the skin surface and are attacked by our immune system causes inflammation. It takes about 2 weeks explode into a pimle or whitehead-white blood cells fighting the infection. Sometimes, dirt gets trapped in the pore and creates a blackhead.As I mentioned, hormones play a role in the whole process because they control the production of sebum. Too much sebum, and uneven sheeding of dead cells will cause clumping and blockage of pores.What to do ? Keep your face clean for one thing. It can't hurt !! Pay attention to your diet. Some foods can aggravate the situation. There are many over the counter remedies available, but some may require a physician. Consulting a physician is always a good idea.Some natural remedies are also available. Dietary considerations will vary from individual to individual, but here are a few. Avoid coffee and tea. Eat seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Substitute tofu or Soya for dairy products. Eat a lot of beans and lentils. Drink lots of water to remove toxins.One remedy that worked for me, was avocado washing. That's right-wash your face with avocado. Sometimes, I have heard that garlic rubs work well. I don't know all the "whys" to it all, but some further research might reveal some scientific in-sight. Would you like to share your experiences and remedies with other readers ?

ACID REFLUX DISEASE: causes and acid reflux natural remedies. 1/29/09

I would guess that each of us have experienced heart-burn: that burning sensation in your chest that occurs after you have been over indulgent, or maybe just because you have had a bad day. The cause of heartburn ranges from diet, usage of drugs, to nervous conditions. Personally, I suffered from acid reflux disease for many years and discovered that nerves played a significant role in my affliction. I used trad-itional antacids to deal with the problem. However, it wasn't till later that I discovered that there are acid reflux natural remedies.First of all, let us realize that your diet greatly affects this condition. Avoidance of orange juice, grapes, sauerkraut, beef, hot dogs and mozzarella chesse can help the condition. Beer, cola, and ketchup can aggravate the esophagus and allow stomach acid to backup into the food tube and even as far as the oral cavity. I personally had experienced such a violent regurgitation. The problem lies in the functioning of the LES-the Lower Esophagael Sphincter. This complex of smooth muscles at the lower end of the esophagus allows food to enter the stomach and closes afterwards. When, the sphincter is damaged due to diet, drugs or nervous conditions, the muscles become weakened and stomach acid enters the esophagus.This backup can cause damage to the esophagus and even tooth damage. So what can you do to cope with this problem? First of all, remain calm. Avoid foods like mac and cheese, french fries and buffalo wings. Chocolate can also a bad choice.Drink plenty of water-about a gallon a day. Also, a great natural treatment can be garlic because it promotes probiotics in the intestine. However, for some people garlic may worsen the condition. Nevertheless, the natural way to deal with this problem lies in the probiotics we can introduce into our diet. Acidophilus is a "good bacteria"- it promotes good health.PS: If garlic works for you, it is working because you ingest it crushed. Swallowing whole garlic will not release allicin which is the important ingredient.Have you had a bad experience with acid reflux? Share your remedies with other readers.

What are your THOUGHTS about living a healthy lifestyle?

Acai Berries and Weight Loss !! 1/12/09

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of information about acai berries. These berries are grown in the rainforests of Brazil. They taste like a blend of chocolate and blueberries. There are reports of rapid weight loss, while following an acai berry diet. As much as 30 pounds in two weeks !! That's amazing !! Apparently, the quality of the berries affects the results. High quality berrries are better than berries of lesser quality when it comes to helping weight loss. I might just like to try them for the taste !! After all, I would assume that you need to lose a substantial amount of weight, before you try such a diet. As always, it probably is wise to consult a physician before trying to lose weight in such a dramatic fashion.